Real Wedding | Heather + Lars

A California sun-kissed ceremony, arriving on your big day in a horse drawn carriage with two very handsome tuxedo clad Yorkshire terriers in attendance – talk about sweet and oh-so-romantic! I love the mix of fun and formal for Heather and Lars wedding: three-piece suits for the groom and groomsmen, a stunning Spanish style banquet hall and an incredible spread of sweets and desserts galore that says, “Have fun and Enjoy!” And the best part…a bride that looks heaven-sent in her antique ivory Ines Di Santo mermaid gown next to her flock of angels in their uniquely styled soft chiffon bridesmaid dresses. Perfect!

Heather + Lars | October 1, 2012 | Montecito Country Club, Santa Barbara

The Ceremony
Ceremony was outside on the lawn overlooking the ocean on a beautiful sunny day.  We were married under an arbor of manzanita and lots of flowers. The ceremony was not formal and was performed by our good friend and we said our own vows.  I came in on a horse drawn carriage with my dad.

The Reception
The reception was full of beautiful flowers and soft up lights with a large dance floor for the 10 piece band who’s lead singer is also a very good friend of ours.  We had a photo booth and caricature artists.  There was no formal cake cutting or garder toss, just lots and lots of dancing and fun.

Heather’s Dress Search
I knew I did not want a ball gown but something more fitted and shaped around my body.  I was pretty sure I did not want lace but I did not know that a ruched dress would work on me.  It was about the 10th one I tried on and I knew it was right the moment I was in it.  The belt I found gave it just the right amount of sparkle and sophistication.

How Heather Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Beautiful, Confident, Happy

Why Heather Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I want someone else to enjoy the dress and make them feel the way I did on my wedding day.  There is no reason for it to hang in a closet for the rest of my life so I can maybe look at it once or twice again.  I would love for my future daughter(s) to see it but I would not expect them to want to wear it, I want them to have their own experience picking out one that is just right for them.  I have the pictures to remind me how beautiful it is and remember how I felt in it.  

Heather’s Dress | INES DI SANTO SUSANNA / Photography | MIKE LARSON PHOTOGRAPHY